Introduction: A Brief History of the Whisky Highball
The whisky highball is a classic cocktail, steeped in history and cherished for its unique blend of whiskey, ginger ale and other ingredients. First created in Japan during the late 19th century, the drink quickly spread to Europe and America – where it became an instant favorite among bartenders everywhere. Over time, many variations have been developed that add additional flavorings such as citrus fruits or syrups – making this delightful beverage even more enjoyable!
Whisky Highball Basics
At its most basic level, a whisky highball is composed of two parts whiskey (usually blended Scotch) to one part ginger ale. While there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to constructing your own version of this timeless classic cocktail recipe; these ratios provide you with an excellent starting point.
Smooth & Refreshing Citrus Variation
For those who prefer something more refreshing than traditional whisky cocktails – why not try adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice? Adding half a measure each of freshly squeezed lime juice and simple syrup – along with ice cubes – creates a wonderfully tart yet smooth variation on the original recipe.
Spicy & Exotic Additions
If you’re feeling adventurous then you may want to consider adding some exotic flavors into your mix. For instance; why not muddle together fresh mint leaves with cucumber slices before stirring them into your finished concoction?
Alternatively; using Angostura bitters instead of plain water will bring out deep, spicy notes in your Whiskey Highballs that can really take them up another level!
Herbal Infusions To Spice Things Up
Adding herbs into any spirit can often create interesting new flavors that add complexity to drinks like cocktails. Have fun experimenting by infusing vodka or gin with different combinations like rosemary sprigs or lavender flowers – before topping off with soda water for added carbonation.
Whisky Highball
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -60 ml 2 US fluid ounces whisky
- -150 ml 5 US fluid ounces chilled soda water
- -Ice cubes as desired
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a Collins glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the whisky and stir gently to combine.
- Top up with chilled soda water and stir again to mix well.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or wedge of lime or both, if desired, and serve immediately
5 Delicious Whisky Highball Recipes To Try Tonight
Finally – here are 5 other delicious recipes for you to enjoy at home tonight:
- Traditional Scotch Whiskey Highball – equal parts blended scotch whisky + ginger ale + orange peel garnish
- Lemon Lime Twist – 75ml bourbon whiskey + 30ml fresh lemon juice + 30ml fresh lime juice + 1tsp sugar syrup + top up with soda water+ mint garnish
- Spicy Ginger Beer Cocktail– 50 ml tequila blanco+ 150ml ginger beer+ 10 drops Tabasco sauce+ 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce+ celery stick garnish
- Apple Sage Fizz– 25 ml cognac brandy plus25 ml apple liqueur plus100 ml cloudy apple juiceplus15 ml sage syrup plus1 teaspoon honey stirred together over crushed ice topped upwith sweetened soda watergarnishedwith sprigs of sage leaves from link grapefruit twist& orange sliceorapple wedge.
- The Classic High Ball Cocktail– equal parts Canadian Club Whisky plus ginger ale served over crushed ice garnished with a strip of orange peel and cherry on astick.
Glassware
A highball glass is a tall, slender-bodied tumbler with straight sides that narrow slightly towards the top to hold 8–12 oz (240–360 ml) of liquid. Highball glasses are also used for other beverages such as soft drinks, cocktails and beer. Other types of whisky glasses include rocks glasses or old fashioned glasses, which have a short body and wide brim; snifters, which have a wider bowl that helps concentrate aroma; Glencairn crystal whisky glasses, which feature an inwardly curved lip designed to enhance flavour; and copitas or tulip shaped nosing glasses specifically designed for Scotch whiskies.
Flavors
A refreshing and classic drink that combines whisky with carbonated water. It has a simple flavor profile, but the combination of sweet and smoky make for an interesting take on the traditional whisky cocktail.
The most important ingredient in this drink is, of course, Scotch whisky. Its smokiness provides depth to the highball while its sweetness adds complexity.
The other ingredients are carbonated water which gives it some effervescence and lemon-lime soda which offers a bit of tartness and fizziness to balance out the whisky’s flavors.
A final touch of angostura bitters adds just enough spice to enhance all these individual flavors without overpowering them. All together, these ingredients make for an easy-drinking yet flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced whiskey drinkers alike!